Burdwan blast to be probed by National Investigation Agency (NIA)

The case of the explosion that took place in Khagragarh area of Burdwan in West Bengal has been handed over to the NIA. The explosion killed two persons who are suspected of being militants. A large quantity of chemicals used to make bombs and some IEDs were found at the site of the explosion.

Investigations have led to the arrest of four persons including two women.

Issue on Consent of state ggovernment

The Centre invoked a rarely used clause of National Investigation Agency Act, to surpass the state government and have NIA handle the case without the state government’s consent. In light of the circumstances and probable involvement of foreign terrorists, the Centre felt it necessary for the NIA to investigate the matter. The legislation gives the Centre the power to intervene and direct NIA to take over from the state, without the state’s consent only if certain crimes which have been listed in the act’s schedule have been committed. Terror related activities are covered by the schedule .